Time-wasting tactics, particularly by goalkeepers, have long been a source of frustration for Celtic fans.
But a proposed rule change could soon make life harder for opposition keepers looking to run down the clock.
Under a new system trialled by football’s lawmakers, referees would be empowered to award a corner to the opposition if a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for longer than eight seconds. [The Times]
This move is being tested in various competitions, including the Premier League Under-21 league, and has already shown promising results in curbing delays.
Currently, goalkeepers are technically limited to holding the ball for six seconds before releasing it, with the penalty for exceeding this rule being an indirect free kick. However, referees rarely enforce this regulation strictly, leading to widespread frustration over blatant time-wasting.
Under the proposed rule goalkeepers would have a maximum of eight seconds to release the ball, referees would begin a countdown from five seconds, raising their hand to signal the remaining time, and if the countdown reaches zero and the ball hasn’t been released, the opposition would be awarded a corner kick—a far more consequential punishment than the rarely-enforced indirect free kick.
Trials in the Premier League Under-21 league and Malta’s domestic competitions have reportedly been effective in discouraging time-wasting. Italy’s Under-20 league is set to implement the trial next.
Celtic’s relentless attacking style already puts opposition goalkeepers under immense pressure. The introduction of this rule could result in more corners for the Hoops, especially late in games where opponents are prone to wasting time to protect a narrow lead or secure a draw.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which governs football’s rules, is taking a serious look at the proposed change. While the idea is still in the trial phase, its early success in reducing time-wasting makes it a strong candidate for widespread adoption.
If introduced, it would represent a seismic shift in football’s approach to game management, potentially making time-wasting a thing of the past.
